<p>I absolutely agree that Canada’s economy is heavily impacted by the US economy. Too much interdependency. There is always a lag, so for example, in our neck of the woods the economy is still running super strong, and our biggest problem is we can’t hire enough workers fast enough. But it’s just a matter of time until we feel some of what the US is experiencing.</p>
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I found this humorous.</p>
<p>barrons, not to derail this discussion, but most experts (and legislators, fwiw) consider America’s absurd Cuba policy just that: absurd. America’s generous, open and friendly policies towards Eastern Europe went a long way to bringing down the Berlin wall – peacefully. The same could have happened a LONG time ago with Cuba. The Cuban people highly appreciate foreign tourism which is about the only way they get to eat these days. So don’t preach ruinous dictatorships to me. Spend some time in a totalitarian state like I have and THEN discuss the pros and cons of allowing locals contact with the outside world.</p>
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<p>Canada is a large country and not homogeneous. Alberta, as the province with all the tar sands had been doing very well. The Alberta govt was talking about reducing or eliminating provincial income taxes and as far as I know there are no provincial sale tax. Ontario and Quebec with the manufacturing base had been suffering lately. </p>
<p>As someone suggested, Vancouver and it’s surrounding cities in BC has relatively mild weather. </p>
<p>Downside : </p>
<p>Does US physicians need to take the Canadian boards or undergo additional residentships in order to practice ? A lot of Canadian specialists moved to US to practice, my cardiologist, ent in Chicago came from Canada. They both said they love Canada but find better opportunities in US. A dear friend, a grad of McGill med, trained in MRI in the US and wanted to but can’t come back. At that time, (15 years ago) he said there are more MRI machines in his little city in the deep south than all of Canada. </p>
<p>As dual citizens we pay taxes in both countries, and end up paying the higher rate of tax for both. For eg. US dividend taxes are higher for us than in Canada, so we have to pay uncle Sam the difference. Canadian income tax rates are higher than US, so we pay the difference to Canada. We pay an accountant good money to figure it out. Oh, finding an accountant that is competent in taxes for both countries without costing an arm and a leg was difficult for us. </p>
<p>Canada is more socialist and “left” than US, so someone with very conservative ideas may not be happy here. I am thinking of gay rights, abortion rights, union rights, and social support systems.</p>
<p>“The same could have happened a LONG time ago with Cuba. The Cuban people highly appreciate foreign tourism which is about the only way they get to eat these days. So don’t preach ruinous dictatorships to me.”</p>
<p>So, two countries side by side. One a “ruinous dictatorship”, with a strict economic embargo placed on it for 45 years, and where people eat mud. Then there is the country next to it - the “free”, “democratic” nation of Haiti, with all the benefits of foreign trade, influx of foreign capital, support from the largest military power in the history of the world, and the wonders of an electoral system that has made its people prosperous - a veritable land of milk and honey, propelled its education systems to the front rank, equipped it with tens of thousands of highly trained doctors and medically professionals, so many in fact, that they send 11,000 doctors to provide medical care to indigent people around the world.</p>
<p>And your point is…? Oh, I get it. It’s better to eat mud.</p>
<p>I was just extolling the virtues of free, democratic rule, and the benefits of free trade and foreign investment:</p>
<p>[Haiti’s</a> poor resort to eating dirt - Haiti - MSNBC.com](<a href=“http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22902512/]Haiti’s”>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22902512/)</p>
<p>It’s actually a nutritional program to promote fetal immunity. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>And what does that have to do specifically with Cuba, exactly? Do you not know of any examples of former totalitarian regimes where freedom, democratic rule and free trade have dramatically improved lives? If not, mini, you and I need to take a trip. I know just the place. A few of them in fact :)</p>
<p>You and I SHOULD take a trip to the two neighboring countries, each with similar resources, and see in which one, as the average citizen of each, we would prefer to live. </p>
<p>(I think the only reason the Castro regimes have lasted this long is because of the embargoes.)</p>
<p>And I sincerely look forward to the day when U.S. medical schools train 11,000 physicians for free and who are then paid with my tax dollars to serve people around the world who need medical care but can’t afford it.</p>
<p>If you emigrate to Canada, you will need to communicate differently.</p>
<p>Try it:</p>
<p>Parent question #1:
“What is this all about?”</p>
<p>Be sure to say about as follows: a boot.</p>
<p>Parent question #2:
“Where have you been?”</p>
<p>Be sure to pronounce been as if it were a vegetable. Think as follows: green bean.</p>
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<p>A serious post:
(sorry about my last one)
Since this is CC, I thought I would point out that unless something has changed recently, you don’t need to speak French to live in Montreal but your kids would need to be able to read and write French to complete their college educations in Montreal (or anywhere in Quebec).</p>
<p>You can go to Mcgill if you don’t speak french, but you need french to get a good job.</p>
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<p>Not true. Instruction at McGill is in English. Same at Concordia. It has always been that way.</p>
<p>Ok, sorry! I know McGill teaches in English but I thought you needed to pass a French test at the end. One of my past co-workers (English speaking, from Ontario) did a mathematical Ph.D. at a university in Quebec (I think it was McGill) and said he had to do a brief test in French at the end of his program because it was required in Quebec. This was about 10 years ago, I think. Maybe I misunderstood or am mixed up. I know that occasionally students from my kids’ Ohio HS go to McGill.</p>
<p>mini, you can sincerely look forward to those 11,000 American doctors. Look forward all you want. Just know that in the meantime, most Cubans sincerely look forward to eating meat more often than once a month if they’re lucky.</p>
<p>I know. They are now busy importing mud cookies from that free, democratic, free-trading, and industrious island next door. Tastes just like chicken. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>Yes Cuba trains many doctors who make no money and eat rice and beans. Which is way better than the rest who are lucky to get rice or beans. And WTH does Haiti have to do with it? They have their own problems. On the same island you have a relatively prosperous and safe country. Cuba picked the wrong horse to hitch the future to. By now it could be one of the richest countries in that part of the world. Unfortunate.</p>
<p>Well, I don’t know if Cuba “picked” anything, barrons…</p>
<p>And mini, most Cubans can’t afford cookies, mud or otherwise.</p>
<p>They “picked” a failed invasion and a 45-year blockade.</p>
<p>Re: French and Montreal - French is the official language of Montreal. It is a French speaking city and for the vast majority of it’s residents their first language.
IIRC - about 25-30 years ago the Quebec government cracked down to keep Quebec and Montreal speaking French. They have even “threatened” secession. (ya I know - lol)
Anyway, in some restaurants you won’t get served unless you order in French.<br>
If you move to Puerto Rico you don’t need to speak Spanish, but…
(before anyone comments - yes I know that Puerto Rico is part of the USA)</p>